This rare and unread vintage copy of TELEPHONE SERVICE MAN (SS055) by PAUL GRONOWSKI is a must-have for any collector of gay pulp fiction. This paperback, part of the HIS 69 / SURREE STUD series, was published by SURREE HOUSE in the 1979. See photos for condition. Don't miss your chance to own this rare and unread collectible book!

SYNOPSIS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LGBT PULP PAPERBACK BOOKS
Gay pulp paperbacks existed before the 1960's, but their popularity and distribution were limited. This was despite the explosion of cheap paperbacks after World War II.

While lax censorship due to the vast output of publishers and the perceived "low-brow" nature of pulp fiction allowed for some homosexual themes or subtexts, most gay pulp novels were rare. This was unlike lesbian pulp novels, which found mainstream appeal with both women and men.

Earlier stories or novels on gay themes had to be disguised as respectable works. This typically involved bisexual protagonists who either overcame their "affliction" or succumbed to it, resulting in social and professional ruin or death.

With the rise of gay paperbacks and the decline of publisher censorship, authors began to explore a wider range of subject matter. To appeal to their growing readership and stand out in the competitive market, publishers adopted specialized genres such as, Older and younger men together, Interracial relationships, BDSM and Roleplaying tropes that bikers, sailors, and soldiers.

While sexuality remained the central theme of many gay paperbacks, some also began to incorporate additional dimensions, such as genre conventions and/or diverse settings including Westerns, Detective fiction, Spy thrillers, War stories and Prison tales. Richard Amory's hugely popular and influential Loon Trilogy, set in the Old West and featuring Native American characters.

Much of the cover art on gay pulp novels is amateurish and likely produced quickly, but there are also notable covers, some clearly inspired by the iconic gay illustrator TOM OF FINLAND. Other significant artists of the period include gay illustrators REX, CRAIG ESPOSITO, HARRY BUSH, ADAM, and CARL CORLEY, as well as mainstream illustrators ROBERT BONFILS, BILL ALEXANDER and GENE BILBREW.

Due to recent delivery issues with the USPS I now ship all magazines, digests and paperback books via Priority Mail. $100 of insurance is included in this price. I'm selling my collection of vintage 1950-1980s gay pulp paperback novels, pictorial & hardcore magazines, physique photography, magazines, artwork & other LGBTQ ephemera.